Andrew Linham

saxophonist / composer / educator

Since May this production, a partnership between the National Theatre and Queens Theatre Hornchurch as part of the ‘Public Acts’ programme, has been a big part of my life. The project was created in response to the NY based ‘Public Works’ programme which has given me the opportunity to work with over 100 community performers from 9 organisations and 14 London boroughs to bring this show together. I have been involved in all areas of the musical life of the show from recruiting the participants in May to playing piano for the auditions for the 5 professional actors to rehearsal pianist for the extensive nine week rehearsal process based at Hackney Empire. When the MD was unavailable I was the cover for the entire project as well as playing in the band for the show, stretching my synthesizer skills - playing glockenspiel and synth at the same time was an exciting new challenge for me! There was opportunity to stretch my dixieland clarinet skills onstage dressed in pantaloon sleeves no less which was a new one even by my overly costumed standards! It’s been an incredible process being involved in this mammoth production so below are photos, quotes and reviews from this massive glorious show!